Chapter 6, pp. 113-142 Summary

When Toru returns to the apartment, Reiko suggests that they take a walk to let Naoko rest. Reiko asks what he likes to do, and when Toru mentions hiking, swimming, and reading, she realizes that all his activities are solitary. Reiko reassures Toru that Naoko is okay and that he hasn't done anything wrong. Still, Reiko is not sure whether Naoko will recover or not. She cautions Toru not to be impatient, and she also thinks it's unhealthy for Toru to have one-night stands.

Reiko begins telling Toru her story. She was a talented pianist and went to a conservatory, on her way to becoming a famous concert pianist. Then one of her fingers became paralyzed from stress. She never got back on track. She had a psychological breakdown and spend two months in a hospital. She went back...